Three-time All-Star and former Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis said on Wednesday that he hopes to play basketball in China if the condition is right.

Francis, who is loved and remembered by many Chinese fans as a superb basketball player and the "big brother" to Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, said in an interview with Xinhua that he loves China and his Chinese fans.

The 33-year-old, once known as "Franchise" as the cornerstone of the Rockets', said he cannot afford to sit on the bench while he can play.

He has recovered from the injuries that had plagued the late years of his basketball career and can return to the basketball court, he said.

"I will play in China if the money is good," he said. "Coaching is also an option."